Courageous Conversations Women's Voices

A series focused on empowering women through conversation and action

At a moment when women’s issues captured national attention, the College invited Central
Ohioans to engage in a transformative, intersectional dialogue focused on empowering
women. Courageous Conversations hosted multiple events throughout Spring Semester
2018, including nationally recognized speakers, panels with local leaders, community
discussions, and workshops.

Past Events

"The Silence Breakers"

Keynote speaker: Tarana Burke

Columbus State Conference Center4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

More than a decade ago, Burke started the “Me Too” movement to help women and girls
— es

pecially women and girls of color — who have survived sexual violence. At the end
of last year, #MeToo went viral, and Time Magazine named Burke a “silence breaker” in its Person of the Year issue. This event will
focus on how we can all become silence breakers and support those who have experienced
sexual harassment and assault. Columbus State will also have resources on site for
attendees, including licensed counselors.

"Women Leaders and the Role of a Mentor"

Moderator: Rebecca Butler

Columbus State Conference Center5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

When women invest in the success of other women, it lifts all of us up. This event
connected students with Columbus State leaders and highlighted the positive influence
a mentor can have on a woman’s life and career.

"Women in Business: Addressing Pay Equity"

Panelists:Elizabeth Brown, Columbus City CouncilmemberMary B. Relotto, founder of Dames Bond and candidate for Ohio Representative District 24Tracy Maxwell Heard, Vice President of Dress for SuccessSarah Pariser, Director of Grants and Programs at the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio

For every dollar a man earns, women earn only 78 cents on average. For African-American
and Hispanic women, the gap is even wider. This event opened with remarks from City
Councilmember Elizabeth Brown, and concluded with a panel discussion on how we can
achieve equal pay for equal work.

"The Courageous Voice of the First Woman to Run for President"

Historian and Columbus State faculty member Judith Dann is an expert on the life of
Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for president of the United States in 1872.
In her talk, she shared her research on this trailblazing woman and her thoughts on
what we can still learn from Woodhull today.

"Follow the Leadership of Black Women"

A series of firsts define Yvette McGee Brown’s career. A first-generation college
graduate, she is the first African-American woman elected to the Franklin County Common
Pleas Court, and the first African-American woman to serve as a justice on the Ohio
Supreme Court. In her talk, Brown reflected on how she overcame challenges and shared
advice for younger women.